After breakfast, the hall slowly emptied, leaving only the clink of teacups and the lingering warmth of laughter.
Zhao Rui sat beside Duke Lian near the study's window, the faint light from the garden reflecting in his eyes.
The ledger lay open on the table once again — the same document that had drawn him here before dawn.
But his thoughts kept slipping from ink and parchment to the soft echo of laughter that had filled the hall moments ago.
Duke Lian spoke in a low, measured voice. "Your Majesty, the border reports have grown worse. Supplies vanish before reaching the northern forts. The ledger confirms corruption, but not who commands it."
Zhao Rui's expression hardened. "Then we'll find out who does. Tonight, I'll issue orders for the wagons to be inspected before departure. I'll ride with you as far as the outer fort."
The Duke blinked. "You, Your Majesty?"
"I won't rule from behind a wall," Zhao Rui said simply. "If men starve in my name, I'll see their faces myself."
